Local artist profile: Jason Barnes

THIS week we speak to ceramicist Jason Barnes, who currently finds himself based in Pukatja in the far north-west of South Australia.

What motivated you to get involved with ceramics?

I have always been fascinated by the use of clay to make and produce pieces, especially pieces that looked good as well as being functional. I not only like the look of hand-made ceramics, but the tactile quality of the work as well.

This led me to a hobby class in the early 1990s which introduced me to the use of the potter’s wheel, and I was totally hooked after that. From there I enrolled in a TAFE course in ceramics, then a university degree and a teaching qualification to be followed ultimately, a few years ago, by a masters of visual arts degree.

Can you describe your artistic style?

The main focus of my own work has been on the potter’s wheel and split between functional work, such as bowls, mugs, cups etc. and individual items that reflect or tell the story of their locality.

For my masters work from 2016-2018, I looked at the rich history of mining in Bendigo as my inspiration. Using high fired stone-ware clay and a decorative technique employing custom-made decals, allowed me to produce very clear images on the ceramic surface.

Which artists inspire you?

One artist I particularly admire not just for her work, but for her whole-heart(ed) devotion to her art is Christian Waller, a Castlemaine-born artist that worked primarily in painting, print-making and stained glass.

Her imagery, particularly in her hand-printed lino cuts for her book, The Great Breath, I find breathtaking. The stark clarity and simplicity of the dark lines work together to build complex images that express mythic creatures and a world of benign beings and powerful forces.

The photographs of Max Dupain, Peter Dombrovskis and Olegas Truchanas are another source of inspiration – they show the development and growth of an Australian style of photography and art that is different from other places.

What have you been working on lately?

I am currently developing new work strongly influenced by my current surroundings.

Pukatja is in a valley in the Musgrove ranges with hills and mountains encircling it.

The hills have greenery on them due to recent rains, and as the light softens in the late afternoon and early evening, the red earth blends with the plant growth to give incredible colours and shadows that include shades of blue and purple.

There are also numerous stands of gum trees – the stark white and brown trunks stretch up out of the earth that then spread to the green grey foliage at the top. I am beginning to develop work that can reflect the starkness and strength of this landscape in a ceramic form.

How has your art practice been affected by COVID?

COVID had a significant impact on my studio practice. At the beginning of the pandemic, I hadn’t long started running classes in my own studio before I had to suspend them.

I was very fortunate that when the opportunity of working at Ernabella Arts became available, I was in a position to apply for it.

I now find myself in the company of some extraordinary people and artists, in an amazingly beautiful location. My own art practice has been re-energised by both the people and the landscape, and I eagerly look forward to developing new works inspired by this experience.